Veterans Turn Their Backs to White House

Feb. 20, 2012 – Meeting alongside the Washington Monument, more than 1,000 marched in a demonstration to the White House. With an about face, veterans and active duty service members turned their backs to the White House sending Obama the message: Ron Paul is the choice of the troops.

Standing with backs turned at the gates of the White House, together they saluted one second for every service member who has committed suicide during Barack Obama’s presidency. After eight minutes of saluting, they observed a 21-minute silent prayer – one second for every service member who died abroad during President Obama’s term.

Adam Kokesh, founder of Veterans for Ron Paul 2012 and a veteran of the Iraq war said, “It seems very clear to me that those of us who are willing to put our lives on the line to defend this country want a commander in chief who is going to be decisive, who’s going to put America’s security interests first, and who’s only going to send us into harms way with a clear mission. Ron Paul is the only candidate that comes close to measuring up to that standard.”

Alex Schlegel, a Baltimore native and member of the Air Force, said, “I raised my right hand to defend the Constitution,” and he also agrees with Paul’s foreign policy ideals, as the U.S. hasn’t fought in a war constitutionally since World War II.

Kokesh said he believes the message sent by the “about face” is anything but unpatriotic. “It’s not about the office, it’s not about the building, it’s not about the White House. It is a symbolic repudiation of Barack Obama’s foreign policy.”

Grey Zachary from Knoxville, Tenn., was there with her husband in mind, as he’s been serving in Korea for two years. “I’m supporting the man that supports my man,” she said.

Zachary stated that it’s up to voters to bring about real change, from who they elect as representatives to who they elect as president, and her choice for president is Ron Paul. “To support any other candidate, I would lack integrity.”

Kokesh was thrilled with the turnout and plans on continuing his efforts all the way to the Republican National Convention saying, “If we have to march on the RNC we’re going to march on the RNC and we are going to make the Republican base listen to the troops that they claim to support.” read more